Shipley names new senior executives

HOUSTON — Shipley Do-Nuts has named three new senior executives.

Matt Kafka has been named chief operating officer. In his new role, Kafka will “champion operational excellence and strengthen franchisee leadership,” Shipley said. Prior to joining Shipley, Kafka had almost 30 years of restaurant operations experience. He was previously senior vice president and interim COO of the retail chain Smoothie King, overseeing franchise and corporate operations across 1,250 stores. He also held operations roles for the quick-service restaurant and juice bar chain Jamba Juice.

Todd Brin has been promoted to chief development officer. In his new role, Brin will “oversee all aspects of franchise sales, development, construction, design and real estate with a focus on streamlining processes, reducing costs and accelerating unit growth across the Shipley system,” Shipley said. Brin first joined Shipley in 2025 as vice president of design and construction, bringing more than 30 years of unit development, operations and strategic leadership experience to the company. He previously held senior leadership positions at the fast-food chain Wingstop Inc., helping build systems that increased the number of restaurant units from 85 to 2,500 worldwide.

John Feray has been named chief financial officer. In his new role, Feray will “focus on improving franchise unit economics and strengthening margins,” Shipley said. Feray brings more than 30 years of finance, accounting, operations and strategic leadership experience to Shipley. He was previously CFO for the Irving, Texas-based sporting goods manufacturer GSM Outdoors. Feray also held financial leadership roles at major retail chains such as Dollar General Corp. and RadioShack.

“Each of these leaders brings a depth of experience that positions Shipley for our next stage of growth,” said Flynn Dekker, chief executive officer of Shipley Do-Nuts. “From John’s experience and lifelong connection to the brand to the franchise leadership and multi-unit growth expertise that Matt and Todd bring, this expanded team will help us build on 90 years of tradition while accelerating the next chapter of this iconic brand.” 

Shipley previously hired Bill Leibengood as chief marketing officer in January 2026.